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Around 300 outstanding educational projects from Europe and Canada were presented, but only 7 were given the opportunity to shine truly. At the 14th International Science on Stage Festival in Lithuania, a joint project by Zdeňka Kielbusová from the Department of Mathematics at the Faculty of Education, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, and educator Ľubomíra Valovičová from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra achieved major success. The project, titled The World of Heat: A Thermal Camera Adventure, offers a comprehensive, easy-to-use methodology for teaching heat and temperature concepts in kindergartens. It provides a set of clear, safe experiments using thermal cameras and everyday objects.

“It was a powerful moment for us. Having the opportunity to present our project to teachers from across Europe and Canada is a tremendous experience. Still, it also confirms that even seemingly complex topics can be brought closer to students in a playful, visual way. In our project, the thermal camera becomes a tool for discovery and shows that physics really can be an adventure,” said Zdeňka Kielbusová. Together with her colleague from Slovakia, she created a detailed teacher’s guide that includes descriptions of each experiment, the necessary materials, expected outcomes, and practical tips for working with children.

Their methodology is based on peer learning in a non-formal educational environment. It involves secondary school students aged 14 to 19, who act as mentors and guides. Using language that young children can understand, they explain how thermal cameras work and help them carry out experiments. At the same time, under teachers' guidance and in a safe, supportive environment, students try out the role of a teacher and develop their communication, presentation, and empathy skills. The secondary school students were also actively involved in testing the program, providing feedback that helped simplify the procedures and adapt them to the target group.

For preschool children, the older students serve as inspiring role models, strengthening their curiosity and helping to reduce any fear of technology. The playful format is also essential. For example, in the activity Trackers, children use a thermal camera, under the guidance of secondary school mentors, to search for an invisible warm handprint on a wall. This allows them to see how heat transfer works in real time. The success of the project has motivated both educators, who are already planning further joint activities.

Science on Stage is one of Europe’s major platforms for sharing innovative ideas in the teaching of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). It currently brings together 35 countries. It aims to connect educators, support the sharing of good practice, and show that science can be understandable, practical, and attractive for pupils and students. This year’s edition also enjoyed strong support at the highest political and professional levels. The opening ceremony was attended in person by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Minister of Education Raminta Popovienė. The Czech delegation in Lithuania was also visited by Ivo Losman, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vilnius.